Class of '76 Obituaries


Melody June "Dodie" Wilson
1957 - 2017 Melody "Dodie" June Wilson, 59, of Clear Lake, formerly of Beaumont, passed away on April 23, 2017, at Clear Lake Regional Hospital in Clear Lake, Texas. Funeral services will be 10:00am, Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at Claybar Kelley Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont. Burial will be 3:00pm at Forest Park Cemetery, Webster, Texas. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00pm, Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins in Beaumont. She was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy Harrison; husband, Burt Wilson and her son, Will Wilson. Dodie is survived by her father, Harlen Harrison of Vidor; son, Robert Wilson of Vidor; brother, James Harrison and wife, Lisa of Fannett; sisters, Peggy Judice and Vickie Brekel both of Hardin County


Carmen Kiefer Massey
Carmen Kiefer Massey, 56, went to be with the Lord November 20, 2015 surrounded by family and friends.
She was born in Houston, Texas, April 22, 1958, to Frank Kiefer and Dorothy Gripon Kiefer. The family moved back to Beaumont and Carmen graduated from French High School. Shortly there after she went to work for Park Place Hospital in Port Arthur. There she met and married Tom Massey. In 1982 they had one beautiful baby girl, Christen Nichole Massey. Carmen also found out (1982) that she had polysistic kidneys. So from 1982 til November 20, 2015 she has been fighting a losing battle with this disease. Both kidneys had been removed and a severe surgery on her liver a year ago. Carmen was on Dialysis over 10 years. We nearly lost her on numerous occasions but she was such a fighter, she managed to fight back each time.
Her care taken and companion of 25 years, Jeff Carrier, was by her side and with her thru all these years.
She was preceded in death by husband; Tom Massey and brother; Albert Dee Downer. Survivors include parents; Frank and Dorothy Kiefer, Daughters; Christen Massey Grandchampt (Pat), Brother, Kim Kiefer (Melody); Companion of 25 years, Jeff Carrier, nine grandchildren; Miguel, Alyiah, Thomas, Boni, Samual, Samara, Gabriel, Chloe and Mackenzi.
Visitation from 4-7 pm Tuesday at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves and funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Levingston Funeral Home. Pastor Stephen Grohn to officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Cemetery, Port Neches. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions honoring Carmen to Kidney Foundation or Agape Church, 4400 Lincoln Ave., Groves TX, P.O. Box 818, Groves, TX. 77619 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/beaumontenterprise/obituary.aspx?n=carmen-kiefer-massey&pid=176640122#sthash.Z0prxR0P.dpuf


Billy John Holman Jr.
May 8, 1958 - April 27, 2015
Billy John Holman, Jr. of Houston, Texas passed away April 27, 2015 while vacationing in Lake Charles, LA. Bill was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on May 8, 1958 to Bill and Helen Holman. He grew up in Beaumont, Texas, and graduated from French High School in 1976. He attended Lamar University and graduated from Florida Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science, Aviation Management, in 1990. At the time of his death, Bill was working for KBR in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates as a project manager. With over 25 years of Aviation experience, Bill's roles included program, project and construction management specializing in airport related projects both domestic and international. Prior to KBR, Bill spent 13 years with the City of Houston at Bush International Airport.
Bill is survived by his wife, Glenda Potter Holman of Huffman, Texas, his sons and their wives, Joshua and Jessica Holman, Blake and Erin Holman, Brandon and Marilyn Ramos, Kyle Potter and Austin Potter. Bill was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Brandilyn, Brianna, Jakob, Kinley, and Evelyn. Bill is also survived by his mother, Helen Holman and his sisters and brothers-in-law: Laura Holman Graber, Susan and Wayne Corrigan, and Donna and John Bridger. Bill was well-loved by his seven nieces and nephews: Vash and Olivia Graber, Amanda and Sam Corrigan, and Kathryn, Zachary, and Austin Bridger. Bill was most passionate about his family and loved spending time with them. He enjoyed traveling, wood-working and construction related projects. He was a loving, generous and supportive friend, uncle, brother, son, husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's name to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at www.gifts.mdanderson.org or the American Heart Association at www.donatenow.heart.org. Tribute cards can be sent to Donna Bridger at 2214 Riverway Oak Dr., Kingwood, TX 77345 or dbridger1960@gmail.com


Charles Smith
Charles "Charlie" David Smith, 53, of Walnut Creek, CA, passed away at his home on Friday, April 19, 2013. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2013 at Hillier Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Bryan City Cemetery.
Charles was born in Beaumont, Texas, to Richard E. and Patsy Pate Smith. He was a graduate of French High School in Beaumont and later attended and graduated from Lamar University. Charlie then enrolled at Texas A&M University and studied structural design. His studies led to employment with the California Dept. of Transportation as Division Senior Transportation Engineer-Specialist in Oakland, CA, where he worked for 22 years. His coworkers will remember him as a great, competent and knowledgeable engineer. Charles was intelligent, dedicated, an excellent solution-finder, a detailed technical researcher and committed to his job.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard E. Smith, on January 19, 2013; his paternal grandparents, E. A. and Aletha Smith; and his maternal grandparents, Elmer and Opal Pate.
Charlie is survived by his mother, Patsy Smith, of Bryan; his sister, Sharon Allen and husband, Joel, of North Richland Hills; nephews, Stephen Hayes, of Houston, and David Hayes, of Missouri City; niece, Chandra McFarlen and her husband, Douglas; great-nephew, Lucas McFarlen, of Abilene; uncle and aunt, John and Jane Pate; cousins, Brad Pate, Gordon and Staci Pate, and their son, Weston, and Rhonda and Robert White, and their sons, Robert and Tristan, all of Bryan.
Bryan-College Station Eagle: 4/26/2013...K12


Gayle Sharpton McCullough
Gayle McCullough was born September 11, 1958 in Beaumont to Eugene and Hazel Fry Sharpton and passed away January 10, 2013 at her home in Beaumont.
She was employed as a registered nurse with Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital prior to her retirement. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Sabine Tabernacle.
A gathering of friends and family will take place from 6:00 � 8:00 PM Friday at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home. Gayle is survived by her husband, Randy McCullough; sons, Josh McCullough and wife Amy, of Beaumont, Jared McCullough of Beaumont and Micah McCullough of Camp Pendleton, CA; grandson, Jamison McCullough; sisters, Bette Jo French, Rita Noland and husband Jerry, Karlene Boykin and husband, Reverend James Boykin; brothers, Jerry Sharpton and wife Adelena and Robert Sharpton and wife, Pam and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Kay McCullough Hodge and her husband, Harry H. Hodge III.


Paul Jeffrey Williams
Paul Jeffrey Williams, 49, of Beaumont died Sunday, August 12, 2007, at Harbor Hospice.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2007 at Greater Zion Baptist Church located at 2317 Cable St., with burial at Greenlawn Cemetery under the direction of Mercy Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of the service at the church.
A viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. He was a native and lifelong resident of Beaumont, graduated from French High School in 1976, and worked with the Beaumont Independent School District.
Survivors include: Pamala Williams; Parents, Leon and Shirley Aaron; Stepfather, Jimmy W. Judge; daughter, Kristin J. Williams, all of Beaumont; three sisters, Mary C. Royal of Beaumont, Karen K. Anderson of Houston and DeJoie D. Placide of Beaumont; three brothers, Gilbert Lee Williams, Sr. of Riverside, Calif., Jimmy B. Judge and Arthur Williams both of Bmt; One grandchild, two sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and a host of other relatives and many friends.
Published in The Beaumont Enterprise on Aug. 16, 2007


Kim Anthony Bailleaux
Kim Anthony Bailleaux of Beaumont, was born on Saturday, July 5, 1958 in Beaumont to Odom and Bobbie Jean Rowe Bailleaux. He died Friday, November 28, 2008, in Beaumont, at the age of 50.
He was a lifelong Beaumont resident and was a graduate of French High School, Class of 1976, and enjoyed music, TV and computers. He worked for Gulf States Utility Company for several years and was a member of Faith Christian Center in Silsbee.
He is survived by his father; Odom of Vidor, mother; Bobbie of Beaumont, brother and sister-in-law; Steve and Rachel of Mauriceville, nieces; Heather and Heidi of Mauriceville, � � sister; Tammy Howard of Jasper, aunt; Geraldine Coker of Lumberton, cousin; David Coker of Lumberton. He is preceded in death by his grandparents; Henry and Clara Rowe, Joseph and Mary Bailleaux, cousin; Molly Coker and an uncle; Wayne Coker.
Visitation will be held on Saturday from 6 until 8 PM. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, November 30, 2008, in the Chapel of the Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Chris Kirkendoll officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park.


Brenda Gail Duhon LaRocca
July 17, 1958 - December 6, 2006
Brenda was born on July 17, 1958, in Beaumont, Texas. She graduated from French High School in 1976. She worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital for over ten years where she met Henry in 1982. They were married on June 4, 1983. During their marriage, they were blessed with five beautiful children. Brenda recently worked as a substitute teacher at Caldwood Elementary and was a member of the Italian Society of Beaumont.
Being a mom was the most important thing in Brenda�s life. Her children gave her so much joy. She couldn�t believe she could be happier until her grandsons were born. Brenda overcame many challenges in her life. She was a cancer survivor. This past year Brenda conquered her battle with weight.
She is survived by her husband, Henry LaRocca, Jr. of Beaumont; children, Elise Hooks and husband Raymond of Silsbee, Erica LaRocca, Lauren LaRocca, Henry LaRocca III (Hank), and Adam LaRocca all of Beaumont; grandchildren, Cole Hooks, Riley Hooks, and Braden Guzman; parents, Fritz and Helen Duhon; sisters, Donna Price and husband Tommy of Sealy and Claudia Duhon of Beaumont; brothers, Buddy Duhon and wife Darla and Paul Duhon and wife Susie all of Lumberton; nieces and nephews; Dylan and Mallory Duhon, Paige and Brooke Duhon, Christopher, Sean, and Savannah Price; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 11, 2006 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with a burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard�s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 10, 2006 at the mortuary.
The LaRocca family would like to thank the staff of Caldwood Elementary for giving Brenda joy and happiness at her job and also Dr. Darrell Harris and his staff for all they have done for Brenda and her family.


Cynthia Bell
Cynthia Bell, beloved daughter, sister and friend to many has left this life and moved on to what lies beyond. Cynthia was born in Fort Worth, Texas on April 7, 1958.
She attended French High School in Beaumont, Texas. Cynthia graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas in 1980 with a cum laude degree in Political Science and History. She went on to obtain a law degree from the University of Houston School of Law in 1984. After graduation from law school she began her legal career working for the Austin law firm of Small, Craig and Werkenthin.
In December of 1987 she began her life as a prosecutor. She first went to work in the Travis County Attorney's Office under Ken Oden where she honed her skills as a trial lawyer. In 1992 Cynthia became an Assistant Travis County District Attorney under Ronnie Earle. Cynthia was a born prosecutor. She had a voice that would remind you that Janis Joplin was also from Beaumont. Juries would listen when Cynthia spoke. Generations of Grand Jurors in Travis County loved to have her present cases to them. But it was in trial that Cynthia was at her best.
Her voice and demeanor could be intimidating to even skilled veterans of the courtroom. And for those silly enough to cross her personally in trial Cynthia could employ a wit so caustic that it left ashes in its wake. Once, commenting on her low-pitched voice a male lawyer asked her if she'd ever been mistaken for a man. No replied Cynthia, have you? She was a wonderful friend and a great companion to those fortunate enough to enjoy her friendship. Her ability to tell jokes and tales of the courtroom was legendary.
She always believed the key to making even a bad joke work, was to get the timing right. She loved riding her motorcycle and she loved everything about the Big Bend. Heaven for Cynthia was spending time in West Texas, the Conejos River area in New Mexico or eating great food and listening to good music in New Orleans. The years when she would make her gumbo for U.T. tailgates would remind all of her friends that Beaumont is closer to Louisiana than Austin.
While Cynthia liked to attend U.T. football games, she was an unapologetically fanatical fan of the U.T. baseball team. Not only did she love the baseball team, but she also understood the nuances of the game. Her husband Bill Willms preceded her in death.
She is survived by her parents Eugene Velton Bell and Jean Mavis Bell of Beaumont, Texas, her brother Tim Bell of The Woodlands, Texas and her beloved dogs, Emily and Abigail.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 4 o'clock p.m. at the Allan House, 1104 San Antonio Street in Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Texas Scottie Rescue Fund, 5810 Windvale Dr., Windcrest, Texas 78239.
Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com. Arrangements by: Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home 3125 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811 Published in The Beaumont Enterprise on 10/2/2007.





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